Saturday in the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time

“I will raise up the fallen hut of David; I will wall up its breaches, raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old” (Amos 9:11). We need to listen to these words with faith, especially now when poll-takers limit their observation to empty churches and empty choir stalls. The words of the prophet Amos echo those of Isaiah. “Speak a word of comfort to the heart of Jerusalem, and announce to her that her days of sorrow are gone and her sin has been pardoned” (Is. 40:2). Along this line, it would be good to ponder a few words taken from the Song of Songs. “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come away with me. See, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. Flowers are springing up in the land. The season of singing birds has come, the cooing of the turtledoves fills the air” (Song 2:10-12). We have reason for hope. After the winter cold, there will be a new spring.

We are members of the Body of Christ, called to live in communion with Him and with one another. Christ has promised to be with us always, even until the end of time. He will tend the garden, even if the size of the plot is diminished. These words of Amos spoke to my heart. “The time will come when the grain and grapes will grow faster than they can be harvested. The mountains will drip sweet wine and the hills will flow with it” (Am. 9:13). The seed of the Word, even if it is only the size of a mustard seed, is bursting with life. It is the will of the sower that the earth should have its harvest. In the light of God’s fidelity to his promises, and because his Word is living and active we have reason to hope. In that hope, we can continue our journey toward our heavenly homeland together.